1996 Suzuki Samurai vs. 1978 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1996 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 1,967 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Toyota Celica (118 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Toyota Celica weights approximately 170 kg more than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Toyota Celica. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Toyota Celica (152 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Toyota Celica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Suzuki Samurai | 1978 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Suzuki | Toyota |
| Model | Samurai | Celica |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3450 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2510 mm |
